Missouri Spring Trail follows an old two-track vehicle route for about 2.25 miles to Missouri Spring in Mount Wilson Wilderness. The route has gentle grades as it meanders through sparse Mohave Desert vegetation. After about 1.5 miles, the route enters a desert wash and is difficult to follow (following the wash itself beyond this point will lead you to the spring area). You may observe various wildlife species and wild burros in the area that rely on the water provided at these springs. The ideal season of use is between September and May, although early-morning hiking during the summer can be pleasant as well.

Location

Missouri Spring Trail is located in Mohave County, AZ, 62 miles northwest of Kingman, in the Black Mountains. It is situated within the Mount Wilson Wilderness.

Access

Turn northeast onto the Temple Bar Road from Highway 93. This turnoff is about 19 miles south of Hoover Dam. Look for NPS Road #130, on the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, located on your left, at approximately milepost 10.8 on Temple Bar Road. Follow this trail west for 3.1 miles to trailhead parking.

Visitor Activities

Hiking and horseback riding.

Special Features

The area offers abundant opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation activities, although it is frequently over flown by tourist aircraft. Near the springs you may spot evidence of historic mining activities, including several locations where names and dates have been chipped into rocks. Continuing up the canyon from the springs, robust hikers can climb to Wilson Ridge and Mount Wilson, where spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Mead are available.

Permits, Fees, Limitations

No permits or fees are required. Since this trail is located within wilderness, motor vehicles and mountain bikes are prohibited on the trail. No drinking water or shade is available at the site.

Accessibility

Access to the trailhead will require the use of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Road conditions should not be a challenge to those with limited off-highway driving experience. The site is not wheelchair accessible.

Camping and Lodging

Primitive camping without fees is available on public lands year-round. Motel lodging is abundant in Kingman, AZ.

Food and Supplies

There are many large grocery stores and businesses supplying outdoor recreation needs in nearby Kingman.

First Aid

The nearest hospitals are in Kingman, AZ (approximately 70 miles south of the trailhead) and in Boulder City, NV (approximately 60 miles northwest of the trail head). In the event of a medical or law enforcement emergency people may call 911 or the Mohave County (AZ) Sheriff’s Department 928-753-2141 or the Clark County (NV) Sheriff’s Department 702- 346-5555.